Mark was a college and high school basketball coach before becoming a Christian and being called into ministry. He was ordained in 2003, served four other churches and was Assistant District Superintendent of the Southwestern Ohio District before coming to Xenia Naz in 2011. Mark is a graduate of Lafayette High School (Lexington, KY), University of Kentucky and Asbury Theological Seminary. He is married to Sue; they have two boys, Christopher and Levi.
xenia naz leadership team
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mARK aTHERTON, sENIOR pASTOR
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Jared horne, co-pastor
Jared is the newest member of our staff. He is originally from Indiana and first felt a calling to ministry at age 13. Jared and his wife, Amy Caitlin, met and graduated from Trevecca Nazarene Univ. He is a prior Youth Pastor and Evangelist. After years of traveling, he is excited to call Xenia home. He and Amy Caitlin have one daughter, Heidi Grace. Pastor Jared will be working closely with Pastor Mark over the next year and eventually assuming the role of Senior Pastor.
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Stefan & Karolyn Biddinger, Kinsey Leaders
Stefan and Karolyn are the leaders at our Kinsey Location at 44 Kinsey Road. This building was purchased in 2017 to minister to the northern area of Xenia. Stefan and Karolyn lead worship together and Stefan is one of two that preach on Sunday mornings. Their love of Jesus shows through in all they do for this small community of believers.
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Jeff blackaby, maintenance director
Jeff has the enormous task of maintaining all of our buildings and properties. Because of his heating/air, electrical, machinery and construction knowledge, Jeff is a valuable asset to our church. He is married to Paula; they have four grown and married children and 10 grandchildren.
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mack bottorff, outreach pastor
Mack is a lifelong Xenia resident. He graduated from Xenia High School (XHS) in 1961, served in the U.S. Marine Corps and studied education at Central State University. He serves in outreach ministries and can be found at most Kinsey events. He was a teacher for over 40 years, and is passionate about working with youth in the community and especially the athletes he has coached. He also serves as chaplain for XHS football and basketball teams. He and his wife, Sylvia, have two adult children and four grandchildren.
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paul and Tiffany Dennis, Pastors of Creative Arts
Paul and Tiffany Dennis are the leaders for Creative Ministries. This was a new ministry for 2023 with a goal to connect leaders and volunteers with a focus on Hospitality & Guest Experience, Group Discipleship, Prayer Ministry, Facility Projects, and Care Teams. We are blessed to have them on our staff. Paul and Tiffany are very involved in our church and have two sons.
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Mike Hancock, associate pastor
Mike served as senior pastor for 25 years at the same church. After resigning, Mike joined the Xenia Naz team as associate pastor in August 2015. His responsibilities include senior adults, visitation and hospitality ministries. Pastor Mike and his wife, Becky, are a lot of fun, very personable, and have a great sense of humor. They have three grown children - Brannon (Gloria), Katherine (Wayne) and Nathan; they have five grandchildren - Andrew, Joseph, Cecilia, Elliot and Jovie.
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Kim Jaynes, Church Secretary
Kim is a familiar face to many in our church since she was born and raised in Xenia and has attended Xenia Nazarene her whole life. She joined our staff in August 2022 and is most likely the one you will see first when you stop by the office. Her sweet smile and friendly personality make her perfect for this position. She handles all facility scheduling among other things. She has two grown daughters.
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brian leach, pastor to children and families
Brian has been in full-time ministry for more than 21 years. He enjoys doing God's work and meeting new people. He and his wife, Amy, have been married for more than 35 years. They have three adult daughters and son-in-laws and 8 grand-children. Brian's hobbies include boating, racquetball, and watching NFL football. His passions include teaching kids and families, spending time with his own family and spoiling his grandchildren. Brian was born in Xenia, moved away for a number of years, and considers it a blessing to be back living and ministering in Xenia again.
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Cheryl Sabo, administrative Assistant
Cheryl has been on staff since 2014, first as the Church Secretary and then more recently assumed the role of Administrative Assistant. Working behind the scenes, Cheryl assists with communications, event planning, calendar planning, project management, and website management among other things. She and her husband, Darren, have three grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grand-daughters.
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Josh seabolt, worship leader
Josh joined the Xenia Naz staff on September 30, 2019. Both he and his wife, Bitsy, were born and raised in Xenia. Josh says, "I have followed a call God placed on my heart to help people encounter Him in an authentic worship experience. Music has always been a passion of mine. I am humbled and honored to be able to use my gifts to serve the Lord."
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John Schroeder, Youth Pastor
John felt his calling to Youth Ministry at West Chester Nazarene in 2012.
“I didn’t know how hard it was to not have a youth group or youth pastor until I found one. After that, I felt God calling me to be that for teens that had no idea what they were missing out on.” God has been faithful in guiding John through life to his wife Hannah, who is extremely supportive, and 3 amazing children: Parker, Rylee, and Everett. John believes, through the Spirit moving and forming relationships, that teens will come to know God and form a relationship that will last far beyond their years in high school. We were happy to have John join our staff at Xenia Nazarene in 2022.
